Don't Pay With Gift Cards
Some people may ask you to pay for services or products using gift cards, like a Google Play or iTunes card. They’ll ask you to place money on the gift card and then tell them the numbers on the back of the card. If this ever happens, they are certainly trying to scam you. Businesses and government entities will never ask you to pay using gift cards.
Gift cards are a popular and convenient way for scammers to access your cash because there are fewer protections surrounding gift cards and they are relatively easy to buy and add money to. Gift cards act more like cash: once you use the value on them, they’re gone. If you give out the card number and PIN associate with the gift card, they’ll have your money.
There are some common stories scammers will say to convince you to pay them with gift cards. They’ll say it’s urgent and that if you don’t pay soon, something terrible will happen. They also specify which gift card to purchase. They may send you to a specific store, such as Walmart or CVS. They may even suggest purchasing cards from several different stores to avoid suspicion and stay on the call with you while you visit these stores. Finally, the scammer will ask for the card numbers and PIN. Once they have this, they’ll drain the cards right away.
There are several schemes that these scammers will use.
They will say they’re from the government, such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, and say you must pay your taxes with gift cards.
They are from technical support, most likely Microsoft or Apple, and there is something wrong with your computer
They meet you on a dating app and they need money for help or to come see you
They’re your family member or friend and need money discretely. If you’re concerned this may be true, hang up and directly call the family member or friend.
You’ve won a prize but you must pay a fee or other charges with a gift card
Your utility company, such as your electric or gas company, is threatening to shut off your service unless you pay with gift cards
You’ll get a check for more money than expected. They’ll tell you to deposit the check and put the difference on a gift card. This check will be fake, though, and you’ll lose all the money.
If you’ve paid a scammer using a gift card, tell the company issuing the card right away.
Amazon
Call 1 (888) 280-4331.
Keep the Amazon card itself and your receipt for the Amazon card.
Ebay
Chat with eBay customer support, or have a representative call you back.
https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/paying-items/ebay-gift--cards?id=4640&showChannel=true
Keep the eBay gift card itself and your receipt for the eBay gift card.
Google Play
Report the gift card scam to Google
Keep the Google Play card itself and your receipt for the Google Play card.
iTunes
Call Apple Support right away at 1 (800) 275-2273. Say “gift card” to connect with a live representative.
Ask if the money is still on the iTunes card. If so, Apple can put a freeze on it. You might be able to get your money back from them.
Keep the iTunes card itself and your receipt for the iTunes card.
Steam
If you have a Steam account, report gift card scams online
Click the “Purchases” option, then click, “I have charges from Steam that I didn’t make.” Then click, “Contact Steam Support.”
Keep the Steam card itself and your receipt for the Steam card.
MoneyPak
Report gift card scams to MoneyPak, https://www.moneypak.com/security
Keep the MoneyPak card itself and your receipt for the MoneyPak card.
When buying gift cards, remember they are for gifts, not payments. If you’re purchasing gift cards, avoid buying from online auction sites, as these may be fake or stolen. Make sure the protective stickers are still on the card and not tampered with. Make sure the PIN isn’t showing on the card as well. Keep the receipt, this will be helpful when filing a report if you lose the card.
Information provided by Federal Trade Commission.
